Powerful microGC technology provides versatile analytical instruments for the energy and chemical sectors

SRA Instruments are highly reputable Agilent Premier Solution Partners. They design and develop cutting-edge analytical solutions to meet the high demands of the energy and chemical markets built around Agilent’s microGC, GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS and FT-IR technology. 

SRA’s Model R990 is a powerful and scalable gas analyser capable of analysing gas mixtures in a matter of seconds. This µGC is ideal for use in labs and research or production departments performing continuous analysis of process gases in gas distribution, pilot plants or synthesis reactors.

The system, available in desktop or rack cabinet version, is compact and modular in terms of options of analytical configuration. The R990 features and integral, on-board computer with a Windows 10 operating system and chromatographic and process software. The touchscreen LCD display includes easy-to-use features to manage the start of analysis, instrumental diagnostics and measurement results.

The micro gas chromatograph can be integrated easily thanks to the wide range of communication and automation choices, including Modbus outputs, relays and analogue inputs / outputs.

The analytical architecture consists of modules containing an injector, column and microTCD detector, installed in parallel and suitably chosen in number (up to 4) and in the type of column needed to solve the separation of the compounds. Moreover, its architecture enables replacement of the individual components (injector, column and detector) of the chromatograph directly on-site.

SRA’s R990 is the perfect solution for the analysis of fuel mixtures, such as natural gas, hydrogen, biogas and biomethane, where it is used for the measurement of composition, calorific value and impurities present in gases.

The analytical technology used by the oil, gas and chemical sectors is not restricted to the laboratory, with this in mind SRA developed the MicroGC R490. To adapt to the environment of a control room or production unit, this MicroGC is mounted in a 19-inch rack and can integrate several analytical modules, customised sampling systems, alarm contacts, optional analogue or digital data transmission and can be remotely controlled from a master computer.

It uses the most advanced technologies to perform on-line analyses of vapour and gas phase effluents in natural and refinery gas, petrochemicals, nuclear power plants, biogas, fuel cell, permanent gases, hydrocarbons, catalysis and fermentation processes. Its modular design enables a wide range of applications to be processed and integrated with all control systems.

The SRA R490 MicroGC obtained the Metrological Certification for the measurement of the Calorific Value of Biomethane associated with a volume conversion device in accordance with the OIML-R140:2007 recommendation. In the metrological version, the following biomethane components are measured: hydrocarbons from C1 up to C3, CO2, N2, O2, H2S and COS. The addition of a third dedicated channel enables simultaneous measurement of odorants introduced into the gas or VOC as impurities from biogas upgrading. 

The analyser has an internal computer for remote control over the Ethernet network and transmission of the results via serial Modbus. The instrument has been validated to request only one annual calibration check.

Both MicroGCs are equipped with the Soprane CDS software, a powerful platform specifically developed for this technology, designed by SRA Instruments, which manages the gas chromatographic analysis and all the logical integration of the analyser in the specific context of the measurement: from the automation phase of the sampling to the integration of the signals, until the transmission of the results and the alarms.

Thanks to an innovative, modern and user-friendly architecture, SRA Soprane CDS is a real added value for SRA’s customers increasing the applicability of the technique beyond just the laboratory, such as monitoring and online analysis, solving real operational needs and improving the user experience.

From managing sampling systems to communicating with analysers and external interfaces, this software is a smart control centre. The efficient management of the equipment, the collection and integration of signals, the saving of data and the transmission of results to the various control systems of the production plants, ensure optimisation of all the operating parameters involved.

To meet specific needs, the software can be customised with user-program writing to make the user experience even better.